Man accused of trafficking prescription drugs

A Jacksonville man has been arrested after a four-week drug trafficking investigation.

DAILY NEWS STAFF

Updated at 2:39 p.m. to include additional information

A Jacksonville man has been arrested after a four-week drug trafficking investigation.

Robert Wesley Sipper, 67, of Richlands Avenue, was charged Tuesday by the Jacksonville Police Department with two counts each of trafficking opiate derivative by sale, trafficking opiate derivative by delivery, trafficking opiate derivative by manufacturing, trafficking opiate derivative by transportation and trafficking opiate derivative by possession.

Sipper is accused of possessing, manufacturing, transporting, selling and delivering at least 18 grams of opiates to a confidential informant on Dec. 14, 2012, and again on Jan. 15, 2013, according to warrants.

The investigation focused on the distribution of Percocet, a highly addictive prescription drug that is derived from opium, according to information from JPD.

“Prescription drug abuse and the criminal activities associated with it create substantial damage in our communities” said Public Safety Director Mike Yaniero via a news release. “We will continue to focus investigative efforts in addressing any drug activity.”

Bond was set at $301,000.

JPD welcomes the assistance of the public in reporting suspected drug activity by calling 911 or CrimeStoppers at 910-938-3273. CrimeStoppers offers rewards of up to $2,500 for information leading to arrest. Callers can remain anonymous.